Field Crop News
Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/
June 11, 2004 Vol. 04:05
IN THIS ISSUE:
Mark Your Calendar
- Agronomy-Industry Field Day - Southeast Ag Research and Extension Center (Landisville) - July 8, 2004 - Registration Form
- Weed Science Field Day - Russell E. Larson Agronomy Farm (Rock Springs) - July 15, 2004 - Registration Form
- 2004 Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic - Russell E. Larson Agronomy Farm, (Rock Springs) - July 21 and 22, 2004
- Penn State's Ag Progress Days - Rock Springs - August 17-19, 2004
Weather Outlook
Production
- Plans For Harvesting A Quality Wheat Crop
- Conservation Security Program Beginning July 6th
- Perplexing Plethora of pH Problems
Pest Management
Agents Corner
Mark Your Calendar
REGISTER NOW FOR THE ROCK SPRINGS AGRONOMY WEED TOUR - JULY 15, 2004 32nd Annual Agronomic Weed Management Research Tour at Penn State - July 15, 2004 at the PSU Agronomy Research Farm, Rock Springs, PA (Meet at the Agronomy Farm, Rock Springs, Rt. 45 west of State College). A number of experiments will be showcased and available for viewing including many of the new corn herbicides (Lumax, Camix, Keystone, Cinch, Steadfast, Epic, Equip, Option, etc.) plus the latest information on herbicide resistance, weed competition, and cover cropping and weed management research. In addition, you can hear about Roundup Ready alfalfa and its status including controlling in a rotation. Finally, looking for alternative weed control, come see how vinegar and clover oil (Matran II) are working as weed control tools.
Agenda:
9:00 am - Registration and introductions
9:30 am -12:00 noon - Tour
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm - Catered lunch
Registration for this event will be $15.00 and includes lunch and a tour book. Please pre-register one week prior to the event (by Thursday, July 8) with Lisa Crytser by phone (814-865-2543), fax (814-863-7043), email (lac8@psu.edu), or mail (registration form) so we can accommodate luncheon needs.
PENN STATE AGRONOMIC FIELD DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC 2004 - JULY 21 AND 22
The dates and topics for our annual Diagnostic Clinic have been set. As in the past, the Clinic is a one-day event from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm. Unlike past years, this year's event will be conducted at the Penn State Ag Progress Days site near Rock Springs, PA. The Clinic will be held on Wednesday, July 21 and then repeated on Thursday, July 22, 2004. The topics include:
- Forage Harvest Losses: Are They Enough to Worry About? (1 CM)
- Soybean Aphid Biology and Management (1 PM)
- Soil Conservation: The Engineering Approach (1 SW)
- Beyond Mere Conservation with the No-till System (1 SW)
- Learning to Use the PA Farm-A-Syst Evaluations (1 NM)
- Considerations for Diversifying an Agronomic System (1 CM)
(CCA, pesticide applicator, and nutrient management credits will be offered.)
Registration forms are being mailed (and emailed), so look for yours soon to register and to get additional information on each of the topics. The cost of this year's Clinic is $45/person ($65 after July 13). If you do not receive a registration form within a couple of weeks and would like to attend, contact Lisa Crytser at (814) 865-2543 or email- LAC8@psu.edu. Or visit our website at http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/clinic.htm
For additional information or comments about the Diagnostic Clinic contact Dwight Lingenfelter at (814) 865-2242 or by email, DXL18@psu.edu.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
After the fifth warmest May on record, the first third of June has been cooler than average with many sections running about 2-3°F below seasonal levels. Rainfall has been above average in southeastern areas, near normal in most places and below average in the western quarter of the Commonwealth. The hours of sunshine have been somewhat below normal, but winds have been slightly above average so that drying conditions have been near normal.
The changeable weather pattern will persist during the next two weeks as the weekend (June 12-13) begins pleasant and ends warmer and more humid, but with little precipitation. The week ahead (June 14-18) will average warmer than normal with an increasing risk of thundershowers. The most widespread precipitation is expected on either Wednesday or Thursday.
Cooler air will slowly stream into Pennsylvania between June 18-20. The relief should be short-lived as warm and humid conditions return for the period June 21-24. Precipitation during the next two weeks will average near to above normal with the highest amounts expected in northwestern sections.
The outlook for July and August indicates above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall with August tending to be rather hot and dry, but July should be more seasonable.
Paul Knight, WeatherWorld@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State Climatologist
PRODUCTION
Plans For Harvesting A Quality Wheat Crop
Our wheat crop is rapidly approaching maturity and will likely be a few days earlier than normal this year. It's time to start thinking about harvest. Our heading dates here in State College were about 5-6 days earlier than last year. Generally our crop looks good with some fields showing evidence of scab that could cause some grain quality problems. Paying attention to details during harvest can improve the quality of wheat that is produced and ensure the best opportunities for marketing the grain. Following last year's wheat quality problems, mills will likely be taking a closer look at the quality of the wheat they purchase. Harvesting the wheat a bit on the wet side and drying is one way to avoid weather related delays, unnecessary weathering and test weight reductions of the grain, and late season shattering of the grain. It also helps to keep developing weeds out of the combine in the latest harvested fields and allows earlier double crop planting opportunities. When harvesting fields with significant scab, consider increasing the airflow to blow out the light and chaffy kernels. For fields severely infested with scab, consider segregating the grain, testing for vomitoxin and marketing for feed wheat if necessary. During harvest monitor for harvest losses by assessing kernels on the ground behind and in front of the combine. About 20 kernels/sq. ft represents 1 bu/A. Try to keep harvest losses to no more than 5 percent of the crop yield. For a good reference on wheat harvesting guidelines and drying wheat harvested wet, check out this fact sheet from the University of Kentucky: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id125/10.pdf
Greg Roth, gwr@psu.edu
Grain Crop Management, Crop and Soil Sciences
Conservation Security Program Beginning July 6th
USDA announced the release of an interim final rule to implement the Conservation Security Program (CSP), authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill. Sign-up for the CSP will be available to eligible farmers and ranchers in 18 priority watersheds across the nation July 6 to July 30. The Raystown watershed in Pennsylvania is the only Pennsylvania watershed included. CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of America's natural resources. The program will be offered each year, on a rotational basis, in as many watersheds as funding allows. It may therefore take many years before the next round of sign-up returns for farmers in the Raystown watershed.
Congress capped the fiscal year 2004 CSP budget at $41.4 million. This allows NRCS to write 3,000 to 5,000 contracts. On May 4, 2004, USDA established the watershed approach as a basis to determine CSP participation and identified the 18 priority watersheds on May 19.
Most working agricultural land will be eligible for CSP. Producers on cropland, orchards, vineyards, pasture and range may apply for the program, regardless of size, type of operation or crops produced.
According to the interim final rule, all CSP applications that meet the sign-up criteria will be placed in an enrollment category regardless of available funding. In addition to legal contract requirements, the categories will consider the applicants' current level of stewardship (soil condition and trend and the existence of support practices and activities) and will sort producers based on these factors. Categories also will examine producers' willingness to perform more conservation activities during their CSP contract to provide additional environmental performance.
Payments can include four components: 1) an annual stewardship component for the benchmark conservation treatment, 2) an annual component for maintenance of existing conservation practices, 3) a one-time new practice component for specific additional needed practices, and 4) an enhancement component for exceptional conservation effort. For most producers the enhancement component will be the largest component. Payments will be received under three tiers of conservation contracts. Payments for the three tiers are capped at $20,000, $35,000 and $45,000 annually and will last for five years for Tier I and 5-10 years for Tier II and Tier III.
Additional information on CSP including the interim final rule is available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp.
Adapted from USDA News Release No. 0234.04
Sjoerd Duiker, swd10@psu.edu
Soil Management, Crop and Soil Sciences
Perplexing Plethora of pH Problems
The most common soil problem this year seems to be low soil pH. It always bothers me that almost 1/3 of the soil tests in PA have a pH less than 6.0 and over 13% are less than 5.5. It is apparent that liming continues to be a low priority on too many farms. However, for reasons I haven't figured out yet, pH problems are having a much more visible impact on crops this year. I have had numerous calls about purple, stripped, stunted corn. Follow-up by myself, agents, and others has confirmed that many of these problems are due to low pH.
The picture below, from a field I visited this morning, is a classic example of a low pH problem. This field is on rented ground that has not been limed in recent memory. The pH in this field was less than 4.0!!!
The symptoms on the plants seen in the close-up picture below include a combination of symptoms such as: purpling, striping, pale color, stunted growth, and poor root growth.
There are two main impacts of low pH on plants. First, at pH below 5.5 root growth is severely restricted by aluminum toxicity. Plants with reduced root growth are not able to adequately take up necessary nutrients, especially immobile nutrients like P and Mg. This is why we see the combination of different symptoms. To make this worse, low pH also reduces availability of many nutrients in the soil.
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the problem in this year's crop. Even if limestone could be applied to the growing crop, it would not react fast enough or deep enough to result in a major benefit to the crop. The main thing is to soil test and apply the recommended limestone as soon as possible after harvest in the fall to begin correcting the problem for next year.
The bottom line is that we need to make liming a higher priority. Soil pH has a tremendous, although not often as dramatic, impact on many aspects of crop production. Regular liming based on soil testing to maintain the soil pH in the 6.0 to 6.5 range is critical. This year is teaching us an important lesson: Don't get caught with your pH down!
Doug Beegle, dbb@psu.edu
Soil Fertility, Crop and Soil Sciences
PEST MANAGEMENT
We've Come A Long Way, But There's Always Room For Improvement
The advances in weed management and particularly with regard to herbicide development over the last 15 years are astounding. I was looking at some of our herbicide performance trials this week and noticed some of the remarkable advances that have occurred in recent years.
First, the ability to control grassy weeds like shattercane or foxtail postemergence in corn is truly remarkable (Image 1). Considering how similar grassy weeds are to corn and being able to selectively remove them after both the crop and weeds emerge is really amazing. It makes you wonder why corn is able to metabolize some of the ALS-inhibitor herbicides like nicosulfuron (Accent) or foramsulfuron (Option) and the weeds aren't.
Second, our ability to suppress or control perennials like yellow nutsedge and Canada thistle has greatly improved in recent years. Certainly the introduction of Roundup Ready crops and the ability to apply glyphosate over the top of corn or soybean to emerged perennials helps, but even some of the "conventional" herbicides are really helping on these weeds. As an example, Callisto activity on Canada thistle and yellow nutsedge is very evident in our field trials (Image 2). We recently treated a number of corn acres with Permit for yellow nutsedge control. I know that yellow nutsedge will no longer be a problem this year in those fields. If only we could discover a way to better control the perennial structures long term.
Of course we still have a few problems to deal with even in corn and other crops. As an example, hedge bindweed seems to continue to be a problem with few effective alternatives (Image 3).
One of the biggest problems we have is getting growers to use or dealers to sell the right product for the right job. I think the overuse or misuse of herbicides is costing farmers more than it should. We seem to be applying a lot of three and four way tank- mixes and making multiple trips over fields when in some cases, a single trip is needed. Some of this is due to poor planning upfront or trying to save a few bucks that ends up requiring additional trips, a rescue program, or loss in crop yield due to weed competition. In some cases, a lack of knowledge in weed spectrum is to blame. Producers need to have a solid handle on how much they are paying for weed control, how it's performing on the weeds and the crop, and make adjustments accordingly every year. Yes, we've come a long way over the last 15 years in our ability to control a number of problem weeds, but……..we still need to make sure we are cost effective and using principles of integrated pest management. We've definitely come a long way, but there's always room for improvement.
Bill Curran, wcurran@psu.edu
Weed Control, Crop and Soil Sciences
Small Grain Preharvest Aids
Below is an overview of some options to consider for preharvest weed control in small grains. However, before applying any product, here are a few considerations:
- This may be a great opportunity to control perennial weeds prior to double crop soybean or prior to establishment of a late summer hay crop. Although late summer is still the best time for perennial weed control, this is certainly better than early summer applications and may help fit into certain crop rotations.
- Don't expect miracles with harvest aids. It is still easier to control smaller weeds (<4 inches tall), than larger ones (2-3 feet). In some cases, the lower portions of the weeds may still be green and unaffected.
- It takes time to bring down a large weed. It usually requires about a week or more to obtain good control or dry-down of some weeds. This time may be increased if cool/wet weather conditions exist. All of the small grain herbicides labeled for preharvest are systemic and slower acting than a contact herbicide.
- Harvest aids are meant to help facilitate harvest and reduce harvest loss. Any yield loss likely has already occurred from weed competition throughout the growing season. Also any weed seeds produced will contribute to next year's weed problems.
- Herbicide drift from these applications at this time of year will cause injury/death to sensitive crops/plants in surrounding areas.
- Adhere to all restrictions regarding grazing and feeding of straw for each of these products.
2,4-D
Some formulations of 2,4-D ester and amine are labeled for preharvest applications in wheat, barley, oat, and rye. (Only certain 2,4-D products have all of these small grains listed on their label under preharvest, so consult the specific label before application.) Use 1 to 2 pints per acre depending on the product. Applications should be made after the small grain is in the hard-dough stage. Do not apply to small grains with a legume underseeding. If a preharvest application of 2,4-D ester is made, double-crop soybeans can be planted 7 days later for 1 pint or 30 days for 2 pints.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate products may be applied to wheat and feed barley after the hard dough stage of grain (30% or less grain moisture) and at least 7 days before harvest. Do not apply more than 0.75 lb ae (i.e., 22 fl oz/acre Roundup WeatherMax or 1 quart/acre 4S products), and do not treat wheat being grown for seed as a reduction in germination or vigor may occur. Additionally, do not apply to wheat with a legume underseeding. There are no double-crop soybean planting restrictions if glyphosate is used as a preharvest treatment.
Clarity or Banvel
Clarity or Banvel (dicamba) can be used at 8 fluid ounces per acre preharvest when wheat and barley is in the hard dough stage and the green color is gone from the nodes (joints) of the stem. Apply at least 7 days prior to harvest. Do not use if legumes are underseeded. Do not use preharvest-treated wheat for seed unless a germination test is performed on the seed with an acceptable result of 95% germination or better. Although the Clarity and Banvel labels allow double crop soybeans following their application (with adequate rainfall and time), the potential for injury may preclude this use. See a Clarity or Banvel label for specific guidelines on rotational crops.
Other herbicides
Other herbicides such as Gramoxone Max, Harmony Extra, Peak, Buctril, etc. are not labeled for use in small grains as a preharvest aid.
Dwight Lingenfelter, DXL18@psu.edu and
Bill Curran, wcurran@psu.edu
Weed Control, Crop and Soil Sciences
(some comments adapted from R. K. Zollinger, NDSU Extension Weed Specialist
Agents Corner
CAPITAL
All indicators are bright for the corn crop across the region. Earliest plantings are approaching waist high in some areas, knee high by the 4th of June was common, and have really started to stretch out this week. Many questions regarding nitrogen side dress options. With excellent stands and above average levels of moisture, some producers are considering a final nitrogen application before the corn gets too tall. Later plantings are not as developed and many fields are held back by too wet of soils at planting and since. Poor stands due to poor seed slit closure and sidewall compaction have resulted in slowly developing plants. The observance of purple corn was noted in many locations. Typically a field wide situation, purple corn has been associated with many agronomic conditions: root zone low pH, low phosphorous and/or potassium levels; genetics; and extremes in temperatures from abnormally warm to unseasonably cool plus excess soil moisture levels. The purpling has significantly diminished as more favorable root growth has developed.
Soybeans are beginning to initiate more rapid growth. Wet soil conditions have not been too favorable and seed corn maggots have been common throughout.
Barley for silage was harvested prior to Memorial Day and most grain stands will be ready for harvest in 1 to 2 weeks. Wheat is noted for wide levels of Fusarium head scab. Reports from stand assessments range from less than 10% to 40% visible infected heads. The question is what will change from now to harvest.
Haylage producers were able to harvest most first cutting in a timely manner. Many of those stands are being chopped a second time this week. However there were few harvests of dry hay made that have not been rained-on at least one time, if not multiple times. Many first cutting stands of orchardgrass and Timothy and a few first cutting alfalfa stands were not harvested until this week and some will wait for the next weather front to pass through. Potato leafhoppers are set to explode based on reports and observations of the number of nymphs that have been scouted. Earlier arrival of adults this season set the stage for some serious crop loss potential. Growers need to be reminded to keep an eye on regrowth of new seedings for protection.
Paul Craig, phc8@psu.edu
Dauphin County
SOUTH CENTRAL
The struggle continues to harvest dry hay between rain showers. Grass fields are extremely mature and the alfalfa is in the mid-bloom stage. Farmers and custom operators with bale wrappers are working overtime to get high moisture hay covered. Early harvested hay fields have 8- 12 inches of regrowth already and look great. New seedings of grass and alfalfa look fairly good. The wet spring may have stressed these seedling plants slightly.
Corn and soybean fields seem to be growing at a record pace. Nitrogen sidedressing has started, very early planted fields will soon be too tall to get tractors through. The large, commercial application machines will have no problems. Wet fields continue to be planted, so there will be large range of planting dates again this year. Glyphosate applications to RR soybeans are in high gear, as the weeds are growing extremely well. Oats fields seem to be heading out at a short height and somewhat unevenly. The barley is starting to yellow and appears to be close to a normal yield.
Greg Hostetter, gjh10@psu.edu
Juniata County
SOUTHWEST
Corn and soybean planting is pretty much completed now, a few fields remain unplanted, some of which may never dry up in time to get planted. Corn that is emerged is growing quickly. Spraying and side dressing are the primary activities. Many soybean fields are in need of spraying at this time.
Small grains are progressing well, wheat fields have headed and most have flowered. The head scab model is predicting low risk for this area, however fields I've been scouting are showing some symptoms. Time will tell how severe the disease will end up.
Pastures are continuing to grow with the ample amount of moisture. Finding the time to mow them has been the challenge of this spring.
Kevin Fry, ksf107@psu.edu@psu.edu
Armstrong County
Douglas Beegle, editor,
Professor, Agronomy, dbb@psu.edu